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Tag Archives: Gallic Rooster

If you have read Swindon Designer Outlet Part 1, you will know that a couple of Saturday’s ago, myself and Jo went wild in the aisles and shopped until we dropped at McArthurGlen Swindon. And by dropped I mean, we both spent far too much money and promptly fell asleep on the train home. Our mission as part of The Gift Hunter Challenge was to find Christmas presents for three of our nearest and dearest. With the promise of The Cadbury Store, blogger (and personal!) favourite Yankee Candle and Ed’s Diner, and an eggnog latte or two, it sounded less like a challenge, and more like the perfectly indulgent girly afternoon out!

To fully embrace the Christmas spirit, I wore my snowflake jumper from Matalan* and subtly festive beret from Gallic Rooster*.

After a few hours browsing and admiring all of the lovely things, we made the difficult executive decision to head to Wagamama to have an in-depth discussion about Strictly Come Dancing what we wanted to purchase. Here are the items that are now patiently waiting under the tree.

The store I spent the most time and money in, and I’m not ashamed to say this, was Hornby. I am so ridiculously pleased with what I bought from the store and also, with the incredible customer service I received whilst there. Following advice from the very knowledgeable manager, James, I decided on what I wanted to buy for my dad, a life long model train fan. He often gets somewhat forgotten about at Christmas, his annual gift of a box of Liquorice Allsorts from every member of the family being hilarious to everyone but him, so I wanted to give the old boy something special this year. As soppy as it sounds, being able to give my dad the above gifts will be the highlight of my Christmas Day, especially as I am back to work on Boxing Day! I did blow over half of my budget in Hornby, but I don’t think any of the other recipients will mind.

My favourite auntie really loves Christmas and makes the whole family a small stocking every year full to the brim with small but uniquely personal gifts, which we open just before our Christmas dinner. It’s probably my favourite of our family traditions. To say thank you, I decided to put together a rather special stocking of treats just for her, including a gorgeous Bobbi Brown set from Cosmetic Company Store.

These two gifts are for one of my BFF’s. Although there are several specialist bag shops at the outlet, including Osprey London, Antler, Radley and Fiorelli, it was this gorgeous blue French Connection bag that caught my eye. I think it will make a perfectly casual but fun day bag. My friend has been super supportive this year, and as she is a fellow Yankee Candle obsessive, I couldn’t leave without popping in to purchase my last perfect present! I spent far too long choosing the most festive Yankee Candle from their vast selection, and I really hope I made the right choice. Just another 23 days to find out!

If all these goodies have got you in the mood for a little festive shopping, as a little Christmas gift from me to you, to get an extra 10% off during your trip to McArthurGlen, just click here!

We managed to get a rare couple of days off work together this week and, after a few healthy hours of slobbing around in our PJs, decided to take full advantage of the beautiful Autumnal weather and headed out for a stroll.

Feeling rather seasonal, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to go pumpkin shopping and ended up with two rather gorgeous specimens that we have named Phil and Grant. Normal friends take photos of their pumpkins in public, right?

It was bizarrely warm for late October and we ended up casting our coats asunder for a proper play in the leaves as we had a good gossip and a catch up. We are so lucky to live next to such a gorgeous park!

Inspired by our frocks, we attempted a bit of a sixties vibe by adding our Boden* coats and white tights. Both of our dresses are from Warehouse* and we thought the colours looked rather spiffing together! It’s always nice when quite basic styles have fun details, such as Victoria’s snazzy collar and the excellent buttons on mine! Victoria finished her look with shoes from New Look and I teamed my look with a Gallic Rooster beret* (hello old friend), Topshop shoes and a black belt from ASOS.

Last month we received possibly the most exciting email of all time when we were invited by Orla Kiely to take part in a street style initiative with them for London Fashion Week. After much squealing, high-fiving and just the tiniest flicker of unbearable smugness (sorry friends and family) we began to plan, panic and pack. You see, we hadn’t even attended London Fashion Week before so to be going with our favourite designer was just beyond a ridiculous privilege.

We will be posting a series of special London Fashion Week posts, featuring the shows we attended (including the beautiful Orla Kiely show) and what we wore, over the next week but first we wanted to talk about our street style experience. And what an experience it was!